
Class _Jl jZ^T . 



AN 



HALF- CENTURY 

A DISCOURSE, 

ADDRESSED TO THE 

PEOPLE OF BILLERICJl, 

FEB. 21, 1813, 

BY THEIR REVEREND PASTOR, 
HENRY COMINGS, S.T.D. 

PUBLISHED At THE UNANIMOUS REQUEST OF THE TOH'S. 

CMIB RIDGE : 

PRINTED BY HILLIARD AND METCALF. 

1813. 



DISCOURSE. 

PSALM xxxvii. 25. 

I HAVE BEEN YOUNG, AND NOW AM OLD. 

Men and brethren, christian friends 
and fellow -candidates for eternity ! 

Having passed a few degrees beyond the line of 
threescore years and ten, I have had long experience 
of the mutability of all human affairs ; of the uncer- 
tainty of all sublunary enjoyments and prospects ; and 
of the many sorrows, that unavoidably intermix with 
the choicest blessings of this transitory world. Be- 
ing now fallen into the eve of life, I very sensibly feel 
the declines of age, health and vigor, whereby I am 
admonished, that my time is shorty that mi/ day is far 
spent, and that the night is at fiand. 

Fifty years have elapsed, since I was solemnly or- 
dained to the work of the gospel ministry in this town. 
Of my brethren in office, but few comparatively con- 
tinue so long in the service of the sanctuary. And it 
gives me pleasure to add, that I know of none of the 
sacred order, who have lived half a century with the 
people of their charge, in greater love, peace, and har- 
mony, or whose services have met with more general 
acceptance through such a long period, among those 
to whom they have statedly ministered in holy things. 
I do not mention this under the impression of a vain 



^ ; 4 

imagination, that I have done better than others, in the 
discharge of the obhgations of the ministerial office, 
but to enhven my gratitude to God, who has been 
pleased to grant me such a distinguishing, though un- 
merited felicity. 

Conscious I am of many imperfections and defi- 
ciencies, in the prosecution of the sacred service, in 
which I have been engaged, and feel, that I have stood 
in need, not only of the candor of the christian peo- 
ple, over ivhom the Holy Ghost hath made me an over- 
seer^ but, much more of the pardoning mercy of God, 
of which I entertain good hopes, through that blood 
of atonement, which is not only necessary, but suffi- 
cient, both for the priesthood, and for the people. 

But, though conscious of many failures, 1 have 
the satisfaction of reflecting, that I have sincerely en- 
deavoured to declare the whole counsel of God, and 
have not designedly withheld any thing, that I believ- 
ed to be of importance, to promote the conviction 
and conversion of sinners, and the edification of saints, 
in faith and holiness. And while I am consoled 
with this pleasing reflection, I can, with the most as- 
sured confidence, appeal to all, who have so regular- 
ly and diligently attended on my ministry, as to be ac- 
quainted with my general tenor and mode of preaching, 
to witness for me, that while I have seriously endea- 
voured to guard people against the ensnaring and de- 
lusive sophistry of unprincipled libertines, infidels and 
sceptics, on the one hand ; and the wild vagaries of 
blind enthusiasm, and the baneful influence of unin- 
lightened party-zeal, and ill-natured bigotry, on the 



other ; I have also endeavoured to explain, inculcate 
and enforce the peculiar doctrines, precepts and sanc- 
tions of our holy religion ; and to this end, in confor- 
mity to my obligations as a christian minister, have 
made it my principal business, agreeably to the gos- 
pel.revelation, to lead my hearers into a just and true 
acquaintance with the glorious character of Jesus 
Christ, the onlij begotten Son of God; with his incar- 
nation, and the merciful design of his advent into the 
world ; with his noble and salutary doctrines, and the 
miracles he wrought, in confirmation of his divine mis- 
sion ; with his heavenly example, and the nature, laws, 
institutions and ordinances of that kingdom of God, 
which is committed to his administration ; and with 
his voluntary humiliation and death, when he made 
his soul an offering for sin ; and also to establish peo- 
ple's fliith in his resurrection, ascension, and merciful 
intercession, in the high court of heaven, and in his 
second appearing to judge the world, at an appointed 
period, every moment approaching, when the dead 
shall be raised, and pass into a state of final retribu- 
tion, that every one may receive according to his deeds 
done in the body. 

All, who have constantly attended on my ministry, 
I presume, can vouch for me, that such has been the 
general mode and tenor of my preaching ; and such 
the topics, which I have chiefly insisted on and discus- 
sed ; without misptnding time, in laboured specula- 
tions on those abstruse points, calculated to minister 
strife rather tfian godly edifying; in reference to 
which, the most inquisitive, acute and sage christian 



philosophers and divines, equally pious, learned and 
judicious, have, in all ages, since the commencement 
of the cliristian sera, entertained diflferent sentiments. 

But being fully sensible, that infallibility is not the 
prerogative of any mortal man, I have never supposed 
myself to be above error and mistake. Nevertheless, 
being persuaded that honesty (though, considering 
the condition of human nature, in its present state of 
childhood, weakness, and imperfection, it will not ab- 
solutely prevent a liability to deception in the pursuits 
of knowledge, nor render any one infiillible, yet) is the 
best preservative against dangerous errors andyc^a/ de- 
lusions, I have endeavoured always to lie open to in- 
formation and conviction, and to keep my mind in a 
disposition, readily to embrace the truth, when and 
wherever I could find it. And (whatever may have 
been my involuntary, and consequently venial mis- 
takes) upon a review of my preaching and ministerial 
services, I have this for my rejoicings the testimony of 
an approving conscience^ that, renouncing the hidden 
things of dishonesty f I liave not walked in craftiness^ 
nor handled the word of God deceitfully ; but sincere- 
ly endeavoured, according to my best judgment, and 
the clearest decision of my reason and moral discern- 
ment, by the manifestaiioyi of the truths to commend my- 
self to the consciences of my hearers, in the sight of 
God, And let me assure you, that it would have in- 
spired my soul with great additional rejoicing and glad- 
ness, had I been a more successful labourer, in that 
part of the Lord's vineyard, which has been intrusted 
to my care and cultivation. 



But though my labours in this sacred employment 
liave not been attended with success, equal to my 
wishes, nor proportionate to that sincere concern, 
which I have felt for the welfare of my people, both in 
this world, and that which is to come ; many having 
turned a deaf ear to instructions and warnings ; har- 
dened their necks against reproofs ; impcnilently per- 
sisted in their several evil ways ; and continued incor- 
rigibly, in an habitual neglect of christian institutions 
and ordinances ; refusing the benefit of all means in 
my power to use, for their conversion and salvation ; 
yet I flatter myself, that / luwe not laboured altogeth- 
er i?i vain ; but have in some degree, through the 
blessing of Heaven, been instrumental of checking the 
prevalence of impiety, infidelity, profiineness and im- 
morality ; of reclaiming some sinners from the error of 
their ways, and savitig some souls from death ; of pre- 
serving so?ne veneration for a governing Deity, and 
for divine worship ; and, in short, of advancing the 
cause and interest of that kingdom of God, which con- 
sisteth in righteousness and charity, peace and good- 
will, and in the consolations of faith, and joyful antici- 
pations of glory, honour and immortality, beyond the 
grave. Notwithstanding the many ungodly and wick- 
ed emissaries, that have been constantly employed, in 
all ages, and in all places, for aiding the cause of Sa- 
tan's kingdom, by encouraging and advocating licen- 
tiousness, both in principle and practice, and endea- 
vouring to ridicule all religion out of tlie world, and 
to abolish all religious rites and forms ; yet I am hap- 
py to observe, that there is still a respectable church in 



this town ; though not so large, as when I first settled 
in the ministry ; additions not having been equal to 
the diminutions, occasioned, by the death of members 
at home, and the more frequent removals of members 
into other towns, than formerly, when the population 
of the country was small to what it now is ; and also 
by a greater increase of scoffers, in proportion, than of 
professed votaries of religion, in the present age. 
However, 

Since the commencement of my ministerial la- 
bours, 307 persons have joined in full communion 
with the church ; besides 199, who have been receiv- 
ed into covenant with it, upon their making a public 
profession of the diristian faith, without obliging them- 
selves to come to communion, before they could see 
their way clear to the table of the Lord ; several of 
whom have been encouraged afterwards to approach 
the sacred altar, and join their brethren, in celebrating 
the memorial of the Redeemer's passion and death. 

The baptisms of children, in the course of the pe- 
riod aforesaid, have amounted to 1415 ; of which 
number 703 were males. Adult-baptisms during the 
same period were in number 45. 

It is however a matter of grief to me, to observe 
how many unbaptized persons there still are in this 
town, notwithstanding the doors of the church are 
open for the easy admission of every professor of tole- 
rable understanding and decent morals, to all christian 
privileges. Whatever reasons any christian parents may 
assign, in reference either to the subject or the mode 
of baptism, for not dedicating their offspring to God, 



in that ordinance, in their infancy, yet (unless they be 
of the denomination, styled Friends J they will acknowl- 
edge, that baptism, in some mode, and at some age or 
other (unless prevented by invincible obstacles) is a 
christian institution, obligatory at the present day ; and 
consequently, that they are, in duty, bound to incul- 
cate a regard to this ordinance, on their families. But 
do all such parents as neglect the baptism of their chiU 
dren, in infancy, take care to instruct them in their du- 
ty, in reference to this sacred rite, as soon as they arrive 
to years of discretion? I appeal to all unbaptized 
adults among us, to answer this question. 

Referring this matter to the private reflections of 
all whom it may concern, I will entertain you, for a 
few moments, (if you will excuse the digression) 
with a note relative to the number of deaths, in this 
town, from the commencement of my ministry, in 
1763, through the lapse of 50 years. But not hav- 
ing been accustomed to keep correct records of in- 
stances of mortality prior to 1784, comprising the 
space of about 2\\ years, I am not able to ascer- 
tain precisely the number of deaths, during that pe- 
riod. Yet, by attending to the statements, taken from 
accurate bills of mortality, beginning with July 1784 
aforesaid, and continued to the close of the half century 
under consideration ; comprehending the term of a- 
bout 28| years ; I hope to be able to decide the ques- 
lion, on such grounds of rational probability, as may 
be satisfactory to curious inquirers. According to 
these records, during the said period of 28| years, the 
instances of mortality have amounted to 559 ; of 



10 

which 273 were males ; and the sum total of their ages 
added together 20248. Now supposing the deaths, 
prior to July 1784, to have been in the same propor- 
tion to 21| years, as 559 were from that date, to the 
completion of half a century, the number will amount 
to 421. To which, if we add the excess of, at least, 
30 above the common average, in that year of extra- 
ordinary mortality occasioned by a malignant dysen- 
tery, the only epidemical, and the most deadly pesti- 
lence, that has had general prevalence through the 
town, since my connection with it, the number will be 
increased to 451. Of this number, proceeding on the 
same grounds of calculation, the males will be found 
to be 205 ; and the total amount of all their ages, 
16336. 

From the above statements and calculations, we 
may gather, 

1. That the instances of mortality, in Billerica, in 
the course of 50 years, from my first settlement, have 
amounted to 1010; a number exceeding three quar- 
ters of its present inhabitants, according to the last 
census. 

2. That of this number 478 were males. 

S. That the annual average of deaths has been 
about 20. 

4. That the ages of the several individuals, at 
their death, collected into one sum, amount to 36584. 
Consequeniiy, 

5. That an equal division would average to each 
individual, at his or her decease, a few months morr 
than 36 years. 



11 

It may not be impertinent to add here, tliat of the 
1(59 persons, who died within the above mentioned 
term of 28^ years, which completed the half-century, 
which we have been reviewing, 91 expired under one 
year from their birth ; and others at dificrent ages, 
according to the following statement, viz. 



65 between 


- 


- 


1 and 5 years 


23 


. 


» 


- 


5 


10 


11 


. 


. 


. 


10 


15 


21 


. 


. 


. 


15 


20 


26 


. 


. 


- 


20 


25 


22 


. 


. 


- 


25 


30 


15 


. 


. 


. 


50 


55 


17 


• 


- 


. 


35 


40 


23 


. 


. 


. 


40 


45 


19 


. 


. 


. 


45 


50 


21 


. 


- 


- 


50 


S5 


23 


. 


- 


. 


55 


60 


15 


• 


- 


- 


60 


65 


36 


- 


. 


. 


65 


70 


31 


- 


- 


- 


70 


75 


32 


- 


- 


- 


75 


80 


42 


- 


- 


- 


80 


85 


18 


- 


.- 


- 


85 


90 


8 


- 


. 


. 


90 


95 



From this statement, made from accurate bills of 
mortality, it is obvious, that no age is exempt from 
disease and death ; and that all intermediate grades of 
human life, together with the extremes of infancy and 
hoary longevity, bowing under the burden of years, 
are equally exposed to the arrests of the king of ter- 



12 

rors ; which should teach all, both young and old, to 
prepare for their departure, and to strive to live as 
they would wish to die. — But not to protract this di- 
gression, if the above note may be considered as such, 
1 shall proceed, with the sincerest pleasure, to ob- 
serve, that 

This town, from its infancy, hath exhibited a laud- 
able example of regard for the gospel, and a zealous 
concern for the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, 
by making suitable provision for the support of chris- 
tian worship, and the administration of christian ordi- 
nances. The town was incorporated in 1655, and the 
first minister, viz. the Rev. Samuel Whiting, ordain- 
ed Nov. 11, 1663, after he had been preaching with 
the people four years. From that time, for almost a 
century, the town was not without a settled minister ; 
a successor having been regularly ordained, before 
the decease of his immediate predecessor. The afore- 
said Samuel Whiting died, Feb. 29, 1712, after sus- 
taining the pastoral office 49 years, and about 3 months. 
A few years before his decease, the infirmities of age 
having rendered him unable to perform the whole 
business of his sacred calling, the Rev. Samuel Rug- 
gles was ordained as an assistant colleague, viz. on 
May 19, 1708. The said Mr. Ruggles expired, 
March 1, 1748, having been in the ministry 40 years 
and about 9 months. By reason of the debilities of 
his age, the Rev. John Chandler, his successor, was 
ordained before his death, viz. on October 21, 1747. 
The said John Chandler continued, in the ministry, 
till June, 1760, when, upon his request, his pastoral 



relation to the church, in this place, was dissolved, un- 
der the sanction of a council. In consequence of this 
event, the pulpit, for the first time, was left vacant, till 
Jan. 26, 1763, when it pleased the great Head of the 
church to consecrate the present speaker to the work 
of the gospel ministry among you. And, as was ob- 
served, at the beginning of this address, 

Haifa century has elapsed since I was solemnly 
separated to this sacred employment ; a term of ser- 
vice, more than 20 years beyond what } ou had, at 
first, reason to expect ; if, as some suppose, the ave- 
rage age of ministers, who settle in the early periods of 
life, reckoning from the time of their ordination, does 
not exceed 28 years. But hewing obtained help of the 
Lord, I am continued to this time, and am enabled still, 
though with depreciated and impaired foculties, to 
preach to you the gospel of his grace. 

Though I am not able to ascertain the precise 
time, yet from the date of the ordination of the first 
minister, about 8 years after the town was incorporat- 
ed, I infer, that it must be a little more than 150 years 
since a church was first gathered in Billerica. From 
that time to the present day, through the merciful 
providence of the glorious Immanuel, there has been 
a respectable christian society, in this town. And it 
is worthy of particular remark, that this church hath 
never been rent and split asunder, into angry and vir- 
ulent parties, by ecclesiastical disputes and quarrels, 
and the religious, or rather irreligious animosities, al- 
tercations and wrangles of self-important and uninlight- 
ened zealots ; but hath generally preserved the unity 



u 

of the spirit in the bond of peace, in as great a degree, 
as could reasonably be expected, in this militant 
world ; especially considering the diversity of preju- 
dices, prevalent among christians, and the difference 
of sentiments often entertained by them ; and more 
especially, considering the discordant and censorious 
spirit, which frequently gains a pernicious ascendency 
in the hearts of professed disciples of the Prince of 
peace. 

It may also be observed for the honour of the town 
(I speak on the authority of good information, having 
the advantage of but few ecclesiastical records prior to 
1747) that from the earliest date of their connection 
v>'ith a gospel minister to 1760, a friendly harmony hath 
uniformly, or with very transient interruptions, subsist- 
ed between the church and people of God, in this 
place, and those, who have successively ministered to 
them in holy things. Their present pastor can say 
this, from experience, since he has been honoured 
with this sacred office. Though he has been fully ac- 
quainted with the peculiar difficulties attending the 
work of the ministry, whereof persons of other occu- 
pations and professions can form no adequate ideas ; 
yet, amidst the great political changes and mighty rev- 
olutions, both in Europe and America, and amidst the 
violent collisions of angry parties, and the trying vicis- 
situdes of calamity and prosperity, private and public, 
that have taken place, during the eventful period, 
since his sacred connection with you, he is happy to 
observe, that he has had such a share, in your contin- 
ued friendly affections (without being obliged to 



15 

make any unreasonable sacrifices of any of the rights 
of a fellow-citizen) as not to have known hitherto, and 
he presumes he never shall know experimentally, what 
those perplexities, sorrows and troubles are, which 
are always consequent on alienations and unfriendly 
controversies between a minister, and the people of 
his charge. And, 

Having spent his youth and vigor, and all his best 
days among you, ministering to you, in the temple, 
and at the altar, during a long period, when his facul- 
ties were at their highest stage of strength, perfection 
and energy ; and having also been seldom taken off 
from his public labours, in the sanctuary, either by 
sickness or any emergencies of private concernment, 
(according to his best recollection, not more than 20 
sabbaths) during the space of half a century ; he con- 
fidently trusts that you will not forsake him now he is 
old and gray-headed ; but, by the continuance of your 
friendly regards and kind attentions, will endeavour to 
console and comfort him, under the uneasy feelings 
of age ; till growing infirmities or his dissolution, shall 
finally close the scene of his services on earth. Con- 
sidering how old he is, he cannot rationally calculate 
on addressing you much longer from this sacred desk. 
Yet a little while, and you will see his face no more, 
within these consecrated walls. Look to the western 
horizon, and behold his sun, after a long day's service, 
just setting, and the shades of night just ready to en- 
viron him ; when, unless seasonable provision be made 
to prevent, the pulpit, in this town, will be once more 
vacant. 



16 

And now, my friends, let me urge the considera* 
tion of the pleasures and benefits of peace, harmony 
and friendship ; particularly in the instances above 
mentioned ; as a powerful motive, to put you upon 
your guard against every rising emotion of a spirit of 
discord, strife and animosity, and to engage you to • 
cultivate the pacific affections and dispositions of can- 
dor, charity and good-will; that mutual love may 
abound more and more, not only between pastor and 
people, but between individual neighbours and chris- 
tian brethren, both in the present age, and through all 
succeeding periods of time, to the latest posterity. 
And to this end, may the God of peace perpetuate the 
ascendant influence of the friends of peace and order ; 
that should any incendiaries rise up to foment discords 
and divisive contentions (and considering the deprav- 
ity of human nature, we may expect to find some per- 
sons of this description, in all societies) their mischiev- 
ous machinations, as heretofore, may in future, be frus- 
trated and defeated ; that the good people of this town, 
till time shall be no more, may know, by joyful ex- 
perience, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to 
dwell together in unity. 

But alas ! Our fathers^ where are thetj ! and the 
prophets^ do they live forever ! Since the incorpora- 
tion of this town several generations have passed away ; 
and many worthy characters ; friends of piety and 
good order ; patrons and advocates of christian wor- 
ship, and the performance of it in full assemblies, in 
the sacred courts of the house of the Lord, have long 
since quitted these regions of mortality, and gone the 



17 

way whence they shall not return ! Let me earnest- 
ly recommend an imitation of their laudable example, 
particularly in their uniform endeavours to preserve 
a veneration for christian institutions and the services 
of the sanctuary ; a; ;d to maintain and support chris- 
tian ministers, for the stated and regular administra- 
tion of God's word and ordinances, and the public cel- 
ebration of the rites of our holy religion. 

And I am the rather induced to press an imitation. 
of their noble example, in these respects, when I attend 
to the moral complexion of the times, and observe the 
growing numbers of those audacious, self- degraded? 
mortals, who seem to think it a mark of gallantry to 
be irreligious, and of refined and exaltt d intellectual 
improvement and philosophic excellence, to deny the 
God, that made them, and blaspheme the Lordy that 
bought them. 

He must be very unobserving, who does not per- 
ceive, that religion is daily loosing ground, and the 
love of mamj of its votaries waxing cold ; while the 
proselytes and advocates of atheism and infidelity are 
rapidly increasing, and becoming more and more bold, 
daring and indefatigable, in their exertions, to extin- 
guish the sun of righteousness ; to abolish Christianity, 
together with its sacred rites and institutions ; and to 
silence or dcgrc de its teachers. How many are there, 
who, discarding the doctrines of religion and grace, 
have openly engaged in support of the interests of Sa- 
tan's kingdom, and for the advancement thereof, scru- 
ple not, under the infatuation of awful delusion, to 
treat, with contemptuous derision and neglect, aU 
3 



IS 

christian offices and ordinances ; to ridicule the pro- 
fessed disciples of the benevolent, meek and lowly Je- 
sus ; and particularly to vilify the christian clergy, 
as a very weak or very wicked order of men ; loading 
them with virulent and abusive invectives and ground- 
less calumnies, with a view to raise a prejudice against 
them, or to reduce them to such a state of degradation 
in society, as to prevent their influence in maintaining 
the cause of pure and undefiled religion ? 

These things cannot but be for a lamentation to 
the friends of Zion, and impress their minds with deep 
concern for the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom ; 
under which impression, it behoves them to arouse, 
and zealously to exert themselves, as far as in them 
lies, to counteract and defeat these malignant designs 
of Satan's emissaries ; and for this purpose, particular- 
ly, to use their utmost influence, to encourage, main- 
tain, support, and perpetuate, christian worship and a 
preached gospel, in the society, to which they belong ; 
taking special care, in case the society should be left 
destitute, by the death, removal or infirmities of a for- 
mer pastor, to supply the vacancy by a seasonable set- 
tlement of a successor. 

Need I now remind you, my friends, that consid- 
ering how many years I have been labouring among 
you, in -word and doctrine ; and that the languors, grow- 
ing infirmities and debilities, unavoidably attendant 
on old age, must ere long terminate in a final dissolu- 
tion of my pastoral relation to you, by death ; and that 
they may, before that solemn event takes place, render 
me incapable of attending to the business of my sa* 



19 

cred function, and put an end to my ministerial labours, 
in part, at least, and perhaps in whole ; considering 
these things, you cannot but calculate upon being 
shortly /^if as sheep without a shepherd^ unless }ou 
should seasonably employ and ordain an assistant, to 
take upon him the principal burden of ministerial du- 
ties, and the whole, should circumstances require it, 
before my departure ; and to succeed me immediate- 
ly in that sacred service, after I am dead and gone, 
without any intervening vacancy. 

From a regard to your own peace, prosperity and 
tranquillity, as a christian society, now existing; and 
from a regard to the most important interests of the 
rising generation, and of generations yet unborn, let 
me earnestly recommend a seasonable and most seri- 
ous attention to an object of such interesting concern- 
ment, wherein consequences of the most momentous 
consideration, pertaining to time and eternity, in re- 
ference to you and your posterity, are involved. And 
let me also exhort you to be frequent and fervent in 
prayer to the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls ^Xo^- 
ford you his gracious influence, to guide and direct 
you, in due season, to the choice of a pastor after his 
own heart, to tyke the charge of this flock, and lead 
them into the pastures of heavenly grace, and eternal 
salvation. 

And while an object of such vast magnitude enga- 
ges your care and attention, let me further recommend 
to you, to bear in mind that apostolic exhortation, 
Beloved^ believe not every spirit, hut try the spirits^ 
whether they are of Godj because many false prophets 



20 

are gone out into the world ; and also to keep in re- 
membrance the caution and warning of one, greater 
than an apostle, even our blessed Lord himself, in the 
following words, Beware of f ales prophets ^ who come to 
youy in sheep"* s clothings hut inwardly they are ravening 
wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Beloved, 
as ye have received Christ JesuSy the JLord, so walk in 
him, rooted and bidlt up in him, and stablishtd in the 
faith, And be not tossed to and fro, and carried about 
with every wind of doctrine, acco?'ding to the slight of 
seducing spirits, and cunning craftiness, whereby they 
go about to deceive. 

Take heed ; be vigilant ; be circumspect ; for 
satan, your grand adversary, who, to serve infernal 
purposes, often transforms himself into an angel of 
light, you may be sure, will be very busy, with the 
aid of disguised and insidious emissaries, to pro- 
mote discord, alienations and divisions among you, 
and to disturb your peace and harmony, in order, if 
possible, to prevent your choosing and emplciying a 
good shepherd, capable of taking care of this flock ; 
of feeding the sheep and lambs, in due season, with 
suitable food for their nourishment ; of furnishing 
them v\ ith proper guards and shelters ; and, in short, 
under the aid of the chief shepherd, of aifording them 
necessary protection and defence, against the intru- 
sion of voracious wolves, in sheep's clothing, that 
may attempt to break in upon them, in order to scat- 
ter, or devour them. 

Beware of hypocrites, and deceitful workers, and 
of all ostentatious pretenders to supereminent holiness, 



21 

and self-applauding, vainglorious boasters of their own 
superior goodness and illuminadon. Be upon your 
guard against all censorious denunciators of their 
brethren, as heretics and reprobates, for no other rea- 
son, but because they do not, widi an implicit faith, 
embrace their distinguishing tenets and party-peculiar- 
ities, wliich they have been pleased to impress with 
the stamp of fundamcntality, and infallible rectitude. 
Consider that when any erroneous and fiillible mortals 
assume the tone and airs of infallil^ility, and deal large- 
ly in anathemas against their dissenting brethren, they 
give you just ground to call in question their own sin- 
cerity, honesty and integrity, unless they are under 
the influence of some delusive mental derangement. 

Before you invite a candidate on probation, be sat- 
isfied that he sustains a fair character and reputation, 
not only within the circle of his relations and intimate 
friends, but hath also a good report of them^ that are 
without ; and when you shall be called to exercise 
your right of suffrage, in the choice of a candidate for 
ordination, be sure to proceed on satisfactory evi- 
dence, that the candidate, whom you shall honour with 
your vote, is not only of a good moral character, but 
a man of good talents and abilities ; of an adequate 
capacity and of competent degrees of literature, for 
the important service, which he is about to undertake ; 
and that he be also well established in the christian 
faith, making the inspired scriptui-es of the old and new 
testament, exclusive of the opinions, schemes and 
writings of uninspired men, the standard and criterion 
of sound doctrine, and the only safe and sure directo- 



ry, not only in reference to faith, bat also in regard to 
worship and moral practice. In connection with the 
above, I might mention several other excellent accom- 
plishments of great use and service, and of no incon* 
siderable importance to those, who engage in the 
work of the ministry, and of great benefit to the peo- 
ple of their charge, such as prudence, meekness, con- 
descension, fortitude, stability, &c ; on which the lim- 
its of my present address will not permit me to expa- 
tiate. I shall therefore only add briefly, that the qual- 
ifications before specified, are so obviously necessary 
to form the character of a good minister and able de- 
fender of the christian faith, that they cannot but com- 
mand the first, and most serious and devout attention 
of every judicious christian, who feels concerned for 
the honour of our holy religion and its divine author 

True it is, God stands in no need of any man's 
parts or abilities ; much less does he stand in need of 
any man's ignorance, incapacity, self-conceit and van- 
ity ; nor has he any where encouraged the use of these 
latter qualities, in the business of reUgious instruction, 
by giving any rational ground to expect the interposi- 
tion of supernatural aid. His having once been pleas- 
ed, by miracle, to give elocution to a stupid quadru- 
ped, which he had employed and enabled to reprove 
and rebuke the madness of a wicked prophet, and to 
change his intended curses into prophetic benedic- 
tions, affords no such encouragement. For miracles 
have long since ceased, and nothing can be more un- 
reasonable, than to depend upon them, at the present 
day. 

L.ofC. 



23 

Though when Paul hath planted, and Apoltos wa^ 
tered, it is God^s blessing that giveth the increase ; 
yet it would betray the want of common sense, should 
an husbandman, flattering himself, on this ground, with 
hopes of a plentiful harvest, imprudently commit the 
care and cultivation of his lands to unskilful workmt*n, 
ignorant and knowing nothing about the proper sea- 
sons for tillage and semination, and altogether unac- 
quainted with the whole business of agriculture. Any 
farmer who should employ workmen of this descrip- 
tion, and trust to their management, in expectation of 
a good harvest, from an extraordinary blessing of 
Heaven, would discover an high degree of insan- 
ity. 

Should you be so happy, as to employ a faithful 
labourer, of competent skill and abilities, in this part 
of the Lord's vineyard ; a workman that needeth not 
to be ashamed, able and ready to divide the word of truth 
aright, and to distribute to every one, a suitable portion, 
in due season, you will have abundant occasion to re- 
joice and give thanks to God, for such an inestimable 
blessing. And I presume you would not begrudge 
such an one an adequate and honourable support, to 
enable him to attend diligently to the proper business 
of his holy function, and to make a decent and respect- 
able appearance, in such a town as this, suitable to the 
dignity of his heavenly calling, without the incum- 
brance of worldly cares and perplexities, inconsistent 
with a composed prosecution of the official duties of 
his sacred profession. 

There are some indeed in all places, who, though 



M 

extravagant in almost every thing else, are wonder- 
fully frugal, in all matters pertaining to religion and 
religious vvorsliip ; shewing a disposition to set up 
the pulpit to the lowest bidder, or to excuse them- 
selves from paying any public homages to their Ma- 
ker, unless tliey can serve the Lord with that which 
cost them nothing. But I presume that the generality 
of this people, under the impression of nobler feelings, 
and more generous and exalted views, will ever dis- 
dain such meanness, and despise such sordid selfish- 
ness and avarice. But not to dwell on this point ; let 
me crave your patient indulgence a little longer, while 
I prosecute my address to a conclusion, in a more gen- 
eral exhortation, in order to awaken and engage your 
most earnest attention to the obligations of piety and 
virtue, and the things of your everlasting peace and 
eternal salvation, as the same are displayed in the rev- 
elation of Jesus Christ. 

With this view, after imploring the gracious in- 
fluence and direction of the Father of lights, to guide 
you in all important affairs, and particularly in diose, 
that more immediately concern you as a religious and 
christian society; and commending yoii to God and the 
word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and 
to give you an inheritance among those that are sane- 
tijied; let me first apply to you, in the language of St. 
Paul, Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you 
an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living 
Gad; but exhort one another daily, lest any of you be 
hardened through the deceitfuhiess of sin. Holdfast 
the profession of your faith without wavering, for he is 



25 



faithful that promised ; and consider one another, to 
provoke unto love and good works. And be ye stead- 
fast, unmoveable, always abounding in the vwrk of the 
Lord, forasmuch as ye know, that your labour is not 
in vain, in the Lord. 

While you thankfully acknowledge the distinguisli- 
ing goodness of God, in casting your lot in a valley oj 
vision ; in a land privileged far above the generaliiy 
of the nations of the earth, in regard to the blessings 
ofevangelicallight and grace, let it be your care to 
walk as children of the light and of the day; to live up 
to your glorious privileges, sublime hopes, and an i 
mating prospects, and by a patient continuance in well- 
doing, to embrace that great salvation, which is re- 
vealed and offered in tlie gospel. 

Esteeming Christianity as the highest exaltation of 
your rational natures, and as the only sure way of ha[; 
py living, be persuadtd cordially to entertain its doc. 
trines, cheerfully to obey its precepts, and conscien- 
tiously to walk in all its ordinances and command- 
ments. Though the self-conceited and self-admiring 
advocates of infidelity, in the dismal garb of that pre 
sumptuous and unhallowed philosophy, which witli 
audacious boldness assaults the throne of God, and un- 
dermines his governing providence, may ridicule the 
votaries of religion, as weak and foolish dupes of ig-* 
norance and superstition, blinded by the absurdest pn . 
judices, and groping in the gloomy darkness of moii. 
degrading errors ; yet let not their impudent scof:. 
and sarcasms, unfounded in argun.ent, shock you: 
faith ; for upon a most critical investigation, we shai- 



26 

find no cause to be ashamed of the gospel, which brings 
life and immortality to light ; as it manifestly teaches 
doctrines worthy of a divine author ; calculated to ad- 
vance the dignity of human nature, and to guide our 
feet into the paths of peace, safety and salvation ; and 
has, as we are well assured, received the confirmation 
of miraculous evidence. 

It is therefore so far from being a reproach to rea- 
^.i , to embrace the gospel, that on the contrary, it 
lA ould be a shameful stoop beneath his dignity, as a ra- 
tiovial creature, for any one, especially under our ad- 
va^^tages and means of information, to reject such an 
e.Vtfiff'lent institution, as a mere fiction, or human con- 
triV«tnce and fabrication, destitute of every mark of a 
di.ine original ; and to risk his eternal salvation on 
SU' h a forlorn presumption, without that due examin- 
ation, which the most obvious maxims of prudence 
aiid wisdom demand. 

Though it be impossible for us, in these remote 
at OS, to have an occular view of those mighty works, 
wliich the great author of our holy religion wrought, 
(Jiii ing his residence on earth, in confirmation of his 
iie: venly mission, and the divinity of the gospel ; yet 
\vc have as full evidence, as the nature of the thing 
\\X\ admit, that the doctrine of salvation^ -which first be- 
gan to be spoken by him, was established by miracles, 
ai ■ I sanctioned by the broad seal of Heaven ; and is con- 
sequently of divine original. Nor would it be a difii- 
cu!t task to satisfy any serious mind, of tolerable judg- 
iri' nt and information, if it were not under the blind- 
ing; influence of some partial bias or corrupt prejudice, 



27 

that this doctrine of salvation, as it hath been transmit- 
ted down to us in tlie holy bible, especially in the 
books of the new testament, hath brought with it such 
authentic evidence of divinity, as is sufficient to en- 
gage our reason to assent to it, embrace it, and depend 
upon it. To reject it, in opposition to the strong evi- 
dence accompanying it, would indeed be to degrade 
ourselves as reasonable creatures, and foolishly to 
cfwose darkness rather than light, in violation of those 
principles of our rational nature, to the guidance 
whereof we feel ourselves obliged to submit in all cas- 
es of temporal concernment. Yea, it is obvious that 
men of good sense and understanding, often proceed 
in their secular affairs on more uncertain grounds; 
allowing lower degrees of evidence, to determine their 
choice, and regulate their conduct, in regard to the 
most important matters, relative to their temporal in- 
terests. If then any reject the evidence of the divine 
authority of the gospel, as unsatisfactory, and at the 
same time think it reasonable to proceed on lower ev- 
idence in the prosecution of their most important 
worldly interests, to what can this be ascribed, but to 
some base prejudice against the christian doctrhie, con- 
nected with an inordinate love of the world ? 

Impartiality, my hearers, always lays the mind 
open to conviction, and never insists on greater evi. 
dence in the cause of religion, than is allowed to l>e 
satisfactory, in the pursuits of worldly profits and de- 
ligl^ts. Let impartiality preside, and Christianity will 
find no great difficulty in gaining a cordial entertain- 
meat among all who are seriously inquisitive, and de- 



2"g 

sirous to know what they shall do to be saved, nor in 
obviati..g the cavils of unbelievers in the present age 
of infidelity, which, by an usual catechresis, or per- 
version of language, is called the age of reason, by the 
minute piiilosophers of modern times. 

If Christianity be a realit) (and that it is so, it may 
reasonably be presumed that every honest and impar- 
tial inquirer, of common discernment, will meet with 
predominant evidence.) If Christianity be a reality, 
and not a cunningly devised fable of human contriv- 
ance ; if it be a divine institution ; a plan concerted 
in the counsels of Heaven, for the recovery and salva- 
tion of the flillen race of Adam, and established by 
God Almighty; it follows undeniably, that its doc- 
trines and precepts, ordinances, rites and forms, are 
of vast personal concernment, and most interesting 
importance, to all who are acquainted therewith ; and 
that every one, who wilfully shuts his eyes against its 
light, rejects its instructions, disobej s its laws, and 
lives in a careless neglect of its sacred requirements, 
does so at his peril. For if he that despised Moses' 
law diedxvithout mercy, under tivo or three witnesses ; 
of how much sorer punishment shall he be thought wor- 
thy . xvho hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and 
counted the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and 
done despite unto the spirit of grace ? For thus saith 
the Lord, vengeance is mine, I will recompense. 

While 1 thus solemnly warn you of the awful haz- 
ard and tremendous danger of rejecting or neglecting 
the great salvation offered in the gospel ; and earnest- 
ly inculcate the immense concernment and inconceiva- 



2$ 

ble importance of christian faith and worship, and a 
reverent regard to christian ordinances ; let me add 
a caution against resting in an outward profession, or 
placing an undue dependence on the exterior garb 
and forms of religion, without any acquaintance with 
its inttrior operation, through the efficacy of faith, in- 
grafted into the heart, forming the soul to an heavenly 
temper, and eiiriching it with those divine virtues and 
heavenly graces, that are necessary qualifications for 
the inheritance of the saints in light. 

The grand end and design of all religion and wor- 
ship, is to promote holiness of heart and life, and form 
an heavenly temper. This is manifestly the aim, in- 
tention and principal object of Christianity. We can- 
not therefore better shew forth the praises of him, who 
hath called us out of darkness into marvellous light, than 
by a cheerful submission to his laws and government, 
and strict conformity, both of heart and life to his will, 
revealed in the gospel. 

An indispensable obligation lies upon all, who en- 
joy the gospel, to cause the light of a pious and holy 
example to shine before men, that others observitig their 
good works, may be induced to ghi fy our Father who 
is in heaven. Even those who have hitherto lived 
without God in tfie world, will be charmed into an ap- 
probation and esteem of our holy religion, when they 
behold the virtues of piety and benevolence, of justice, 
candor and charity, of meekness, sobriety, temperance 
and purity, which it injoins and inculcates, transcrib- 
ed, in conspicuous characters, into the lives and coift 
versations of its professed votaries. These virtues 



50 

exemplified, will exhibit the glories of the gospel, in 
such an engaging light, as cannot but make some sal- 
utary impressions on the minds of all beholders, capa- 
ble of being affected by the beauties of holiness, and 
the attractive charms of moral excellence. Such 
heavenly qualities, such celestial habits and virtues, 
are the brightest ornaments of the christian profession, 
and do above every thing else dignify and ennoble the 
human character. And being directly conducive to 
the perfection and happiness of our natures, they are 
true, substantial and permanent riches, opening a 
source of the purest, perfectest and most sublime plea- 
sures, delights and enjoyments, of which human na- 
ture is capable, either in time or eternity. Enriched 
with such heavenly graces, and being in such prepar- 
ation for heavenly glory, the true christian may pass 
the time of his sojourning on earth, in peace and se- 
renity, animated by a blessed hope of the joys of im- 
mortality in a better world, when the present scene of 
mortal things shall close upon him. 

And now, my beloved friends, what shall I say 
more ! Time would fail me, to exhaust the abun- 
dance of my heart towards you, or fully to express 
my earnest concern and sincere wishes for your well- 
being, both here and hereafter. I shall therefore close 
my present address, with the short, comprehensive, 
and pertinent exhortation of St. Paul to the Phiiippi- 
ans. 

Finally^ brethren^ whatsoever things are true^ what' 
soever things are Iionest^ whatsoever things are justy 
whatsoever things are pure ^ whatsoever things are lovC" 



31 

/z/y whatsoever things are of good report ; if there be 
any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these 
things. Those things^ which ye liave both learned, re- 
ceived and heard, do, and the God of peace shall be with 
you. 



00^ 



-V'{1^ 



